The moment you realize your inkjet has dried out again after sitting idle for two weeks, the search for a better option begins. A laser printer sidesteps that entire headache by using toner powder instead of liquid ink, delivering crisp, smudge-proof text on plain paper without the clogged-nozzle drama.
I’m Mo Maruf — the founder and writer behind The Tools Trunk. I’ve spent years tracking print hardware, analyzing cartridge yield data, and reading through thousands of verified owner reports to separate the long-term bargains from the disposable disappointments.
Whether you are outfitting a home office, a small business desk, or a student study nook, this guide breaks down the real-world performance of the best cheap laser printer options available today.
How To Choose The Best Cheap Laser Printer
Buying a budget laser printer means balancing upfront cost against long-term consumable expenses. Below are the critical factors to weigh before clicking add-to-cart.
Toner Cost Per Page
The price of replacement toner cartridges and drum units will quickly overtake the printer’s sticker price. Look for standard-yield cartridges that deliver at least 1,000 pages and check whether high-yield (XL) options are available for a lower page cost.
Print Speed and Duplex
A cheap laser printer should still handle automatic two-sided printing (duplex) if you print multi-page documents regularly. Rated speeds around 28 to 36 pages per minute are common in this price tier and are adequate for home or small office use.
Connectivity Options
Wi-Fi is essential if you want to print from a laptop, phone, or tablet without running cables. Some budget models cut costs by offering USB-only connectivity, so confirm your workflow before buying a wired-only unit.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brother DCP-L2640DW | Multi-Function | Small Office All-in-One | 36 ppm, 50-page ADF | Amazon |
| Brother HL-L2480DW | Multi-Function | Touchscreen All-in-One | 36 ppm, 2.7″ Touchscreen | Amazon |
| Brother MFC-L2820DW | All-in-One | Full Fax & Scan Office | 34 ppm, 2.7″ Touchscreen | Amazon |
| Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw | Single Function | High-Speed Text Printing | 35 ppm, 250-sheet Tray | Amazon |
| HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw | Single Function | Team Office Print | 35 ppm, HP Wolf Security | Amazon |
| HP LaserJet M209d | Single Function | Wired Simplicity | 30 ppm, USB-Only | Amazon |
| Canon imageCLASS LBP122dw | Single Function | Compact Wireless Print | 30 ppm, Auto Duplex | Amazon |
| HP LaserJet M209dw (Renewed) | Single Function | Renewed Budget Workhorse | 30 ppm, Dual-Band Wi-Fi | Amazon |
| Xerox C235dni | Color All-in-One | Affordable Color Laser | 24 ppm Color, Wi-Fi | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Brother DCP-L2640DW
The Brother DCP-L2640DW is the most versatile option in this lineup, packing print, scan, and copy functions into a compact chassis that delivers 36 pages per minute. Renowned for reliability, this unit builds on Brother’s long-standing reputation for low-maintenance monochrome laser engines.
Automatic duplex printing is standard, and the 50-page automatic document feeder makes multi-page copying and scanning genuinely productive. The refreshed model uses TN830-series toner, and the included starter cartridge plus optional XL replacements keep per-page costs impressively low.
Connectivity covers dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB, so fitting it into any network setup is seamless. Some buyers note that the bundled scanning software has minor glitches, but the printer itself delivers consistent output with minimal jams.
What works
- Fast, reliable 36 ppm engine with auto-duplex
- Excellent toner yield with affordable XL cartridges
- 3-in-1 functionality with 50-sheet ADF saves desk space
What doesn’t
- Scanning software can be finicky on some networks
- Starter toner cartridge is low-yield
2. Brother HL-L2480DW
The Brother HL-L2480DW elevates the all-in-one laser experience with a bright 2.7-inch color touchscreen that simplifies navigation through print, scan, and copy functions. The same 36 ppm engine seen in the DCP-L2640DW is present here, but the touch interface makes cloud app integration directly accessible.
Print-from and scan-to services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Evernote are built into the touch menu, reducing reliance on a phone or PC. The flatbed scan glass handles books and thick documents, while the manual feed slot accepts envelopes and specialty paper without swapping trays.
Dual-band Wi-Fi keeps connections stable even in crowded office environments, and the TN830XL high-yield toner can push over 3,000 pages before a replacement. Owners consistently praise the setup speed and the printer’s ability to stay connected without random dropouts.
What works
- Intuitive touchscreen with direct cloud app access
- Fast 36 ppm output with automatic duplex
- Reliable dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity
What doesn’t
- No fax function if that is required
- Printer is somewhat noisy during operation
3. Brother MFC-L2820DW
The Brother MFC-L2820DW is the most fully-featured monochrome unit in this roundup, adding a fax modem and telephone line port to the all-in-one print, scan, and copy platform. It runs at 34 ppm — slightly below the 36 ppm models — but the inclusion of fax plus a 50-sheet ADF makes it a legitimate small office hub.
Setup via Wi-Fi or Ethernet is straightforward, and the 2.7-inch touchscreen provides the same cloud app integration found on the HL-L2480DW. Linux users report flawless print and scan functionality, a testament to Brother’s excellent driver and driverless IPP support.
The TN830 toner family applies here as well, with high-yield cartridges keeping the cost-per-page competitive. Some first-time owners find the initial assembly instructions unclear, but once running, the machine is known to churn through thousands of pages without complaint.
What works
- Full fax, scan, copy, and print in one compact frame
- Works flawlessly with Linux printing and scanning
- Dual-band wireless plus Ethernet for flexible networking
What doesn’t
- Assembly documentation is sparse for new users
- Touchscreen can feel sluggish when navigating menus
4. Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw
The Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw punches above its price point with a 35 ppm print speed and a generous 250-sheet input cassette. This single-function print-only model is aimed squarely at users who need rapid black-and-white document output without the complexity of scanning or copying hardware.
Auto-duplex printing is included, and the toner system uses Canon 072 cartridges that are available in standard and high-capacity variants. The white chassis and compact footprint let it tuck neatly onto a credenza or corner desk without dominating the space.
Setup via USB using Canon’s MasterSetup application is smooth, though the printer does not include a USB cable in the box. On the downside, the front panel display is small and the menu navigation can feel tedious during initial configuration.
What works
- Class-leading 35 ppm print speed at this price tier
- Large 250-sheet cassette reduces refill frequency
- Compact design with clean white finish
What doesn’t
- Tiny display makes Wi-Fi password entry painful
- No USB cable included for wired setup
5. HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw
The HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw is engineered for shared office environments, rated to handle workloads for up to seven people with a 35 ppm engine and intelligent Wi-Fi that self-optimizes the connection. HP Wolf Pro Security is built in, offering configurable protection settings that are rare on budget monochrome printers.
Duplex printing is automatic, and the 250-sheet input tray supports letter and legal sizes. Mobile printing works across AirPrint, Mopria, and the HP Smart App, and the 6.6-second first-page-out time keeps short jobs moving quickly.
The deal-breaker for some is HP’s firmware lock: this printer only works with cartridges containing original HP chips. While some owners report trouble-free long-term use, others experienced connectivity failures after firmware updates that bricked the network interface.
What works
- Fast 35 ppm output suitable for small teams
- HP Wolf Security adds a layer of data protection
- Intelligent Wi-Fi maintains stable connections
What doesn’t
- Firmware locks restrict third-party toner use
- Reports of network failures post-firmware update
6. HP LaserJet M209d
The HP LaserJet M209d strips away Wi-Fi and Ethernet to offer a straightforward USB-connected monochrome printer at a lower initial cost. With a 30 ppm engine and automatic duplex printing, it covers the basics competently for a single-user wired setup.
HP includes a USB cable in the box, so the printer is ready to run out of the packaging. The compact chassis and smart-guided buttons make operation simple, and print quality is sharp with consistent blacks across plain paper and letterhead.
The major caveat is operating system compatibility: HP’s drivers have not been updated for recent macOS versions beyond 12.x, and Apple Silicon Macs may struggle to install the printer. Windows 11 users report a straightforward plug-and-play experience, but Mac buyers should verify current driver support before purchasing.
What works
- Extremely reliable wired connection eliminates Wi-Fi issues
- Auto-duplex printing at 30 ppm is fast for a budget unit
- USB cable included for immediate setup
What doesn’t
- No wireless connectivity at all
- HP firmware blocks non-OEM toner cartridges
- macOS driver support is outdated
7. Canon imageCLASS LBP122dw
The Canon imageCLASS LBP122dw brings wireless connectivity and automatic duplex printing to a small, lightweight chassis that fits nearly anywhere. With a 30 ppm print speed, it handles everyday document printing without hogging desk real estate.
The printer uses Canon Genuine Toner 071 cartridges, and the starter cartridge is included in the box. The Canon PRINT app enables mobile printing from iOS and Android devices, and AirPrint support adds convenience for Apple users.
The front LCD panel is tiny and unlit, which makes menu navigation and Wi-Fi password entry a flashlight-assisted chore. The paper tray lacks a dust cover, and the build quality is noticeably lighter than Brother alternatives, but the output quality is crisp and reliable for the price.
What works
- Compact and lightweight for tight desk spaces
- Wireless with AirPrint and Canon PRINT app support
- Decent 30 ppm speed for home office use
What doesn’t
- Unlit LCD is hard to read in low light
- Paper tray stays open and collects dust
- Build quality feels budget compared to Brother units
8. HP LaserJet M209dw (Renewed)
The renewed HP LaserJet M209dw offers a significant discount on a printer that originally launched at a mid-range price. It delivers 30 ppm with automatic duplex printing and dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset connectivity that can recover from network hiccups without user intervention.
The HP Smart App allows scanning to cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive directly from a phone, and the printer supports Ethernet for a wired fallback. Security features protect the device from network-based attacks — a consideration for home offices handling sensitive documents.
As a renewed unit, condition can vary between listings, though most buyers report the printer arrives in excellent working order. One limitation is the HP firmware policy that blocks non-OEM toner, meaning replacement cartridges will cost more than off-brand alternatives used in some competitor models.
What works
- Renewed pricing offers excellent value
- Dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset connectivity
- HP Smart App enables mobile scanning to cloud services
What doesn’t
- Renewed units may show cosmetic wear
- HP firmware locks restrict third-party toner
- Starter toner included is low-yield
9. Xerox C235dni
The Xerox C235dni is the only color laser printer in this lineup, offering print, scan, copy, and fax functionality in a single white chassis. With 24 ppm in both color and black-and-white modes, it is slower than the monochrome units but adds the capability to produce colorful charts, flyers, and presentations.
Wireless setup is handled through the Xerox Easy Assist App, and the 500-page starter toner yield gives new owners room to experiment without immediately buying replacements. The printer supports high-yield cartridges for lower long-term costs, and the color LCD screen makes menu navigation more pleasant than budget monochrome displays.
Paper choice matters significantly — owners report that light output improves dramatically when switching from generic copy paper to a heavier inkjet/laser multi-purpose stock. The scanner has received complaints about producing overly light copies, and the Windows driver installation can be stubborn without the included CD.
What works
- Full color laser output for presentations and graphics
- All-in-one printing, scanning, copying, and faxing
- Wireless setup via easy-to-use smartphone app
What doesn’t
- Scanner produces light copies on generic paper
- Windows driver installation can be finicky
- Color speed is moderate at 24 ppm
Hardware & Specs Guide
Toner and Drum Architecture
Budget monochrome laser printers typically combine the drum and toner into a single cartridge (HP, Canon) or use separate drum and toner units (Brother). All-in-one cartridges simplify replacement but tend to cost more per page because the drum is replaced every toner change. Separate drum units last for many toner cycles — Brother’s DR-830 drum is rated for roughly 15,000 pages — which lowers the long-term cost significantly.
Duty Cycle and Monthly Volume
The duty cycle is the maximum number of pages a printer can handle per month without excessive wear, while the recommended monthly volume is the ideal range for reliable operation. Entry-level lasers often advertise duty cycles of 15,000 to 30,000 pages, but the safe real-world range is closer to 500 to 2,500 pages per month. Exceeding the recommended volume consistently leads to paper jams, feed roller wear, and premature component failure.
FAQ
Will a cheap laser printer work without WiFi?
How many pages does starter toner typically yield?
Can I use refilled or third-party toner in these printers?
What is the real-world difference between 30 ppm and 36 ppm?
Do cheap laser printers support printing from phones and tablets?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the cheap laser printer winner is the Brother DCP-L2640DW because it delivers the best balance of print speed, multi-function versatility, low toner cost, and reliable wireless connectivity. If you need a touchscreen-driven all-in-one with cloud app access, grab the Brother HL-L2480DW. And for a wired-only setup that avoids Wi-Fi headaches entirely, the HP LaserJet M209d is a straightforward, no-nonsense choice.